This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 9 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It took just over three months into the season, but COVID finally crashed headlong into the NFL season, and it did so at the untimeliest of junctures for Fantasy managers trying to navigate the postseason in their leagues. The Week 15 slate will stretch almost into midweek as a result of rescheduled contests. Naturally, there are still plenty of unknowns regarding the status of multiple players for the trio of rescheduled games that will unfold Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening, along with the usual array of conventional injuries at play for Sunday's 11 contests. With so much to delve into, let's jump right into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers after failing to practice all week. As per early Sunday reports, the outlook for Jackson, who is dealing with a bone bruise and not a sprain, was much bleaker earlier in the week, but he did move around better in Saturday's practice and therefore has a slightly better chance of suiting up. If he's ultimately unable to go, Tyler Huntley will draw the start against Green Bay.
The Eagles' Jalen Hurts (ankle) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against Washington. With the extra pair of
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 9 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
It took just over three months into the season, but COVID finally crashed headlong into the NFL season, and it did so at the untimeliest of junctures for Fantasy managers trying to navigate the postseason in their leagues. The Week 15 slate will stretch almost into midweek as a result of rescheduled contests. Naturally, there are still plenty of unknowns regarding the status of multiple players for the trio of rescheduled games that will unfold Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening, along with the usual array of conventional injuries at play for Sunday's 11 contests. With so much to delve into, let's jump right into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers after failing to practice all week. As per early Sunday reports, the outlook for Jackson, who is dealing with a bone bruise and not a sprain, was much bleaker earlier in the week, but he did move around better in Saturday's practice and therefore has a slightly better chance of suiting up. If he's ultimately unable to go, Tyler Huntley will draw the start against Green Bay.
The Eagles' Jalen Hurts (ankle) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against Washington. With the extra pair of days to heal up afforded by the rescheduling of the game, Hurts appears to have a good chance of suiting up. If he were ultimately unable to, Gardner Minshew, who threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 13 spot start against the Jets, would get the call.
The Browns' Baker Mayfield remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders. As per Saturday reports, the NFL has given the Raiders and Browns up to 2pm ET Monday afternoon to make any transactions, including clearing players from COVID-19 protocol, for the contest, so Mayfield's status may not be known until that point. If he's unable to gain clearance and the same applies to backup Case Keenum, Nick Mullens will start for Cleveland versus Las Vegas.
The Browns' Case Keenum remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders. As per Saturday reports, the NFL has given the Raiders and Browns up to 2pm ET Monday afternoon to make any transactions, including clearing players from COVID-19 protocol, for the contest, so Keenum's status may not be known until that point. If he's unable to gain clearance and the same applies to starter Baker Mayfield, Nick Mullens will start for Cleveland versus Las Vegas. However, if Mayfield remains in protocols but Keenum clears them, the latter will be under center.
Washington's Taylor Heinicke remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles. If Heinicke is unable to clear protocols in time for the contest and the same applies to backup Kyle Allen, then Garrett Gilbert will draw the start for Washington.
Washington's Kyle Allen remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles. If Allen is unable to clear protocols in time for the contest and the same applies to starter Taylor Heinicke, then Garrett Gilbert will draw the start for Washington.
The Giants' Daniel Jones (neck) is out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after failing to practice all week. Mike Glennon will draw a third straight start in his stead.
RUNNING BACKS
The 49ers' Elijah Mitchell (knee/concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Falcons after missing practice all week. Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty should handle the bulk of backfield work against Atlanta as a result.
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after missing practice all week. With Jamaal Williams (COVID-19 protocols) also out, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson are set to helm the backfield against Arizona.
The Lions' Jamaal Williams remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday's game against the Cardinals, sidelining him for the contest versus Arizona. Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike are set to helm Detroit's backfield Sunday with D'Andre Swift (shoulder) also out.
The Broncos' Melvin Gordon (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday reports, Gordon is expected to play.
The Broncos' Javonte Williams (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals after sandwiching a pair of limited practices around a missed Thursday session. As per early Sunday reports, Williams is expected to play.
The Browns' Kareem Hunt remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders. Cleveland will have until 2pm ET Monday to clear any players for the contest; if Hunt is unable to meet that deadline, D'Ernest Johnson will back up Nick Chubb against Las Vegas.
The Cardinals' James Conner (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions after only logging a limited Friday practice this past week. However, as per early Sunday reports, Conner is expected to play and will be sharing the backfield with Chase Edmonds, who was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
The Cardinals' Chase Edmonds (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Saturday and will play Sunday against the Lions.
The Cowboys' Tony Pollard (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants but finished the week with two limited practices. As per early Sunday reports, Pollard is likely to be active if he goes through pregame warmups without setbacks; however, he would likely see a lighter workload than usual alongside Ezekiel Elliott, with Corey Clement absorbing some of what would be Pollard's usual volume.
Washington's J.D. McKissic (concussion) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles. If McKissic misses a third straight game, Antonio Gibson will continue to shoulder a heavy workload as the lead back.
The Seahawks' Alex Collins remains in COVID-19 protocols going into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Rams. If Collins is unable to clear protocols in time for the contest, Rashaad Penny, who ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans in Week 14, would serve in a true lead-back role.
The Buccaneers' Leonard Fournette (ankle) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Saints after only putting in a limited Friday practice this week. As per early Sunday reports, Fournette will suit up and play, although Ronald Jones will be available to absorb more work than usual behind him if necessary.
The Texans' Rex Burkhead (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Burkhead is unable to go or is limited, fellow veteran David Johnson would take on a larger role.
The Jaguars' Carlos Hyde (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Texans after missing practice all week.
The Vikings' Alexander Mattison entered COVID-19 protocols Monday and will miss Monday night's game against the Bears.
The Dolphins' Phillip Lindsay (ankle/COVID-19) will not play in Sunday's game against the Jets.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Ravens' Marquise Brown (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers after following up a missed Thursday practice with a limited Friday session. As per early Sunday reports, Brown will suit up and start as usual.
The Vikings' Adam Thielen (ankle) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Bears after missing practice all week. If Thielen is unable to suit up, Justin Jefferson should continue to see even more targets than usual, while second-year wideout K.J. Osborn and tight end Tyler Conklin could benefit to a lesser degree.
The Seahawks' Tyler Lockett remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Rams. If Lockett is unable to gain clearance for the contest, D.K. Metcalf should see a bump in targets while Freddie Swain and rookie Dee Eskridge should each bump up a notch on the depth chart behind him.
The Cardinals' DeAndre Hopkins (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, and he isn't expected to be available again until the start of the postseason, in a best-case scenario. His absence the rest of the way should equate to a bump in targets for A.J. Green, Christian Kirk and tight end Zach Ertz (hamstring) in particular.
The Panthers' DJ Moore (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday reports, Moore is expected to suit up and play in the tough matchup against Buffalo's secondary.
The Browns' Jarvis Landry remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders. If Landry is unable to gain clearance for the contest ahead of Monday's 2pm ET deadline for such transactions, Donovan People-Jones and Rashard Higgins are likely to serve as Cleveland's top two receivers.
The Bills' Emmanuel Sanders (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers after missing practice all week. Gabriel Davis projects to see a bump in targets and downfield looks in particular as a result of Sanders' absence.
The Bears' Allen Robinson entered COVID-19 protocols on Thursday and is therefore in danger of missing Monday night's game against the Vikings. If both he and Marquise Goodwin (foot) are forced to sit out, Damiere Byrd would bump up to the No. 2 receiver role behind Darnell Mooney.
The Washington Football Team's Terry McLaurin (concussion) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles, but he managed to work back to a full practice Saturday. With two extra days to clear concussion protocol, McLaurin would appear to have a chance of playing versus Philadelphia, with Deandre Carter set to take on a larger role if McLaurin can't go.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys after practicing in limited fashion Friday. If Shepard, who just returned Week 14 from a four-game absence due to a quadriceps injury, is unable to suit up, then Darius Slayton would move up to the No. 2 receiver spot behind Kenny Golladay.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (COVID-19 protocols/oblique) is out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. Darius Slayton should serve as the No. 3 receiver at minimum, with a possible move up to No. 2 if Sterling Shepard (calf) also sits out.
The Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in Sunday's game against the Jets. The rookie's absence will bump DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson up to the No. 1 and No. 2 receiver roles, respectively.
The Ravens' Sammy Watkins (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in Sunday's game against the Packers. Rashod Bateman should bump up to the No. 2 receiver role behind Marquise Brown (illness), who's expected to play as per early Sunday reports.
The Saints' Lil'Jordan Humphrey (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Buccaneers after finishing the week with two limited practices. If he's unable to suit up, Kenny Stills could bump up to the No. 4 receiver role.
The Buccaneers' Breshad Perriman (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in Sunday night's game against the Saints. Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller could share No. 3 wideout duties as a result.
The Washington Football Team's Curtis Samuel (groin) is questionable going into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles and did not participate in any practice Wednesday-Saturday. If he's unable to suit up, Deandre Carter could see expanded opportunity.
The Lions' Josh Reynolds (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after finishing the week with two limited practices. If he's unable to suit up, Kalif Raymond should bump up to the No. 2 receiver role versus Arizona.
The Bears' Marquise Goodwin (foot) is doubtful for Monday night's game against the Vikings after missing practice all week. If both he and Allen Robinson (COVID-19 protocols) miss the contest, Damiere Byrd would elevate to the No. 2 receiver role versus Minnesota.
The Packers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens after practicing in limited fashion all week. Allen Lazard would move up to the No. 2 role behind Davante Adams if Valdes-Scantling can't suit up.
The Eagles' Quez Watkins remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against Washington. If Watkins is unable to gain clearance for the contest, Jalen Reagor would be in line for a larger role behind DeVonta Smith.
The Giants' John Ross (COVID-19 protocols) is out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
The Packers' Equanimeous St. Brown (concussion) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Ravens after missing practice all week.
The Washington Football Team's Cam Sims remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles.
The Browns' Anthony Schwartz (concussion) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders.
TIGHT ENDS
The Raiders' Darren Waller (knee) has been ruled out for Monday afternoon's game against Browns after failing to practice all week. In his absence, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of Las Vegas' pass-catching corps should see extra targets to varying degree, while Foster Moreau will once again step in as the top tight end for Derek Carr.
The Cardinals' Zach Ertz (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions after practicing in limited fashion Friday. As per early Sunday reports, Ertz is expected to play and fill his usual starting role.
The Lions' T.J. Hockenson (hand) was placed on injured reserve Friday, ending his season. Shane Zylstra and Brock Wright should man the tight end position the rest of the way for Detroit.
The Rams' Tyler Higbee remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Seahawks. If he's unable to gain clearance for the contest, Kendall Blanton and Brycen Hopkins would be in line to handle tight end duties for Los Angeles.
The Browns' Austin Hooper remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders. If Hooper is unable to gain clearance for the contest ahead of Monday's 2pm ET deadline for such transactions, David Njoku would be in line to serve as Cleveland's top tight end versus Las Vegas.
The Browns' Harrison Bryant (ankle) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders and has managed to practice in limited fashion throughout the week thus far. If Bryant is able to play, he could serve as the No. 2 option at the position behind David Njoku with Austin Hooper (COVID-19 protocols) set to potentially miss the contest.
The Saints activated Adam Trautman (knee) from injured reserve Saturday and he'll start Sunday night against the Buccaneers.
The Texans' Brevin Jordan (hand) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars but finished the week with a missed Friday practice. If he's unable to suit up, Pharaoh Brown would see even more work as the top tight end.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Rams' Jalen Ramsey remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Seahawks.
The Bengals' Chidobe Awuzie (COVID-19 protocols) is out for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
The Steelers' Joe Haden (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.
The Bengals' Vernon Hargreaves (illness) is out for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
The Titans' Janoris Jenkins (ankle) is out for Sunday's game versus the Steelers.
The Raiders' Trayvon Mullen (toe) is out for Monday afternoon's game against the Browns.
Safeties
The Broncos' Kareem Jackson (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Buccaneers' Jordan Whitehead (calf) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Saints.
The Seahawks' Quandre Diggs (knee) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday's game against the Rams.
The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield (foot) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Saints.
The Browns' Ronnie Harrison remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders.
The Browns' Grant Delpit remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders.
The Browns' John Johnson remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders.
The Rams' Jordan Fuller remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Seahawks.
The Falcons' Erik Harris (chest) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season.
The Texans' Justin Reid (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The 49ers' Jaquiski Tartt (lower body) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Defensive Linemen
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (ankle) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Vikings.
The Rams' Aaron Donald (knee) is questionable heading into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Seahawks.
The Ravens' Calais Campbell (thigh) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Packers.
The Browns' Jadeveon Clowney remains in COVID-19 protocols heading into Sunday ahead of Monday afternoon's game against the Raiders.
The Broncos' Dre'Mont Jones (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
The Giants' Leonard Williams (triceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
Linebackers
The Bears' Roquan Smith (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Vikings.
The Raiders' Denzel Perryman (ankle) is out for Monday afternoon's game against the Browns.
The Bengals' Logan Wilson (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
The Lions' Alex Anzalone (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
The Falcons' Dante Fowler (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Washington's Cole Holcomb (ankle) is questionable going into Sunday ahead of Tuesday evening's game against the Eagles.
The Vikings' Eric Kendricks (lower back) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Bears.
